CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Denault, C.; Millar, R.G.; and Lence, B.G.
Date : 2003.
Title : Climate change, infrastructure and stream health in an urban catchment.
Publication : 2003 Georgia Basin/Puget Sound Research Conference. Applying Science and Information to Sustainability in a Shared Transboundary Ecosystem Abstracts & Biographies. March 31 — April 3, 2003. Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, British Columbia
Issue :
Page(s) : 14.
Abstract
Stationarity of rainfall statistical parameters is a fundamental assumption in hydraulic infrastructure design that may not be valid in an era of changing climate. This study develops a framework for examining the possible impacts of climate change on the urban infrastructure and natural ecosystems of small watersheds, and demonstrates this approach for the Mission/Wagg Creek watershed in British Columbia, Canada. Non-stationarities in rainfall records are first analyzed with linear regression analysis, and the detected trends are extrapolated to build future rainfall scenarios. The Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) is used to analyze the effects of increased rainfall intensity on design peak flows and to assess future drainage infrastructure capacity. Future impacts on stream health are assessed using methods based on equivalent total impervious area. In terms of impacts on the drainage infrastructure, the results of this study indicate that climate change would not create severe impacts in the Mission/Wagg Creek system. The equivalent levels of imperviousness, however, suggest that the impacts on stream health could be far more damaging.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology